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Major Freight Railroads to Save Fuel and Cut Emissions
Release Date: 05/27/2005
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(05/27/05) To increase energy efficiency while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution all seven major freight railroads have joined EPA's voluntary SmartWay Transport Partnership. These Class 1 freight railroads transport more than 90 percent of all domestic rail freight. Each railroad has committed to evaluate the environmental impacts of its operations and work jointly with EPA to develop and implement a plan to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions over the next several years. The seven railroads -- BNSF Railway Company, Canadian National Railway Company, Canadian Pacific Railway, CSX Transportation, Kansas City Southern, Norfolk Southern Corporation and Union Pacific Railroad -- were honored this week for their commitment to environmental improvement by Jeffrey Holmstead, assistant administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation. The recognition came at the Association of American Railroads (AAR) John H. Chafee Environmental Excellence Awards Ceremony.
As part of the SmartWay Transport Partnership, each railroad will develop a plan to identify fuel savings and emission reduction strategies. Strategies include reducing idling, improving aerodynamics, applying new fuel-saving technologies, and installing emissions control devices.
Launched in February 2004, the SmartWay Transport Partnership aims to reduce, by 2012, between 33 and 66 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year, as much as 200,000 tons of nitrogen oxides emissions per year, and achieve fuel savings of up to 150 million barrels of fuel per year. The program includes major freight shippers, trucking companies, railroads, and logistics companies to implement efficiencies that reduce emissions, improve the environment, and save money.
Additional information on the SmartWay Transport Partnership is available at: https://www.epa.gov/smartway .
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